You are currently viewing our boards as a guest, which gives you limited access to view most discussions and access our other features. By joining our free community, you will have access to post topics, communicate privately with other members (PM), respond to polls, upload content, and access many other special features. In addition, registered members also see less advertisements. Registration is fast, simple, and absolutely free, so please, join our community today!

I know this is the Knife Q&A section, but I was curious as to what kind of care yo guys do for your sayas? They're wood, appear untreated, so I dont think there would be a problem with some warm water and soap. Maybe followed by some mineral oil?

Melampus

Post subject: Re: Saya Care

Posted: Mon May 20, 2013 3:48 am

Forum Moderator

Joined: Wed May 16, 2012 4:42 pmPosts: 3943Location: USA... mostly.

ALTOS <> Depends on the saya as not all are raw. Some are oiled, some are lacquered, some are painted, some are composite, etc...

On raw wood - yes, a warm soap solution used just to wipe is fine, but you can treat them just like raw Wa's. When I "seal" handles I let the wood get wet and then let it air dry. This might have no effect on your handles/sayas, but in all likelihood will cause the grain to rise. I then sand it lightly with fine paper, then with 000 steel wool. Slather the handles/sayas pretty liberally with a beeswax/mineral oil paste consisting of 20% beeswax:80% mineral oil mixed in a double-boiler, wipe off excess, let it sit overnight, then buff it in the morning. You could do that a few nights in a row or as needed until the handle feels silky smooth, polished and “sealed” (although, technically it’s not really sealed).

_________________Embracing the silence amid a life and land full of static...

boar_d_laze

Post subject: Re: Saya Care

Posted: Mon May 20, 2013 6:45 am

Joined: Fri Mar 29, 2013 5:46 pmPosts: 217

Mineral oil applied to handle and saya every sharpening, and whenever either appears to need it (pro re nata).

BDL

4k-nives

Post subject: Re: Saya Care

Posted: Mon May 20, 2013 7:03 am

Joined: Wed Mar 27, 2013 11:40 pmPosts: 209Location: Cali

Most sayas are made of untreated ho wood. The simplest thing you can probably do is go buy a $10 can of Danish oil at Home Depot. I use it for handles. It has a mix of oils that will penetrate into the wood then harden. Clean and dry your saya. Apply with one of those cheap foam brushes. Wipe off after 15-20min. repeat 2-3 times if desired. If you really want to protect it, spray it with a couple of coats of polyethylene. Are you in Los Altos, CA? I'm in San Jose.

_________________Matt

Adam Marr

Post subject: Re: Saya Care

Posted: Mon May 20, 2013 1:48 pm

Forum Moderator

Joined: Mon Apr 23, 2012 7:36 pmPosts: 3284

I prefer waxes to oils (personal preference) so I use a furniture wax on my saya's like this one:

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 2 guests

You cannot post new topics in this forumYou cannot reply to topics in this forumYou cannot edit your posts in this forumYou cannot delete your posts in this forumYou cannot post attachments in this forum